Brief History

Early HistoryIn 1855, Parker County was created by the Texas State Legislature and named for pioneer and State Representative Isaac Parker. Parker was the uncle of Cynthia Ann Parker, a little girl who was stolen from her home by Indians during the Texas Revolution. Cynthia Ann lived among the Comanche and became the mother of Chief Quanah Parker. The Town of Weatherford was named for the State Senator for this district, Thomas Jefferson Weatherford (1811-1867) of Dallas. (More history available online at the Texas State Historical Association and on Wikipedia).

Weatherford Today
The City of Weatherford occupies a territory of approximately 27.04 square miles. Weatherford is located at the intersections of U.S. Highways 180 and 80, approximately 30 miles west of the City of Fort Worth and approximately 60 miles west of the City of Dallas. Interstate 20 runs along the City's southern boundary and provides for major access to Fort Worth and Dallas.

Weatherford is situated such that it has maintained an independent identity from the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex yet its close proximity to this major urban area has had a direct effect. Residents find themselves able to achieve a rural lifestyle without sacrificing the conveniences and labor market of a major metropolitan area. Many Weatherford residents commute into the Metroplex to work.

Much of the City's commercial and industrial growth is directly attributable to its relative location to the Metroplex. The City's major commercial and industrial employers find Weatherford attractive since it offers the advantages of convenient access to the region's major transportation and shipping infrastructure without the disadvantages related to physically locating within a major urban area.

Historically, the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex has enjoyed an extremely low unemployment rate. It has also enjoyed the growth of a diverse economic base. The outward growth of Dallas/Fort Worth will impact the transition of Weatherford from its farming and ranching roots to increased urban residential, commercial, and industrial development.
What Weatherford Has to OfferWeatherford has a rich western heritage filled with colorful characters and personalities. Legendary cattle drivers Oliver Loving, Charles Goodnight, and Bose Ikard are just a few of the notorious cowboys that make up Weatherford's history. Both Loving and Goodnight served as the inspiration for Texas author Larry McMurtry's novel Lonesome Dove. Because of this heritage, "Western" events abound throughout the year. The Goodnight Loving Festival offers a wide variety of western arts, crafts, and activities. The Parker County Frontier Days and Sheriff s Posse Rodeo, is one of the largest in Texas and provides fun for the entire family. Other historical figures have helped shape Weatherford. Mary Martin, internationally known Broadway star, renowned for her portrayal of Peter Pan. Her son, Larry Hagman, became forever immortalized as the villainous J .R. Ewing, of the television melodrama, Dallas. Portrait artist Douglas Chandor moved to Weatherford and married Weatherford native Ina Kuteman. Known internationally for his portraits of the rich and famous including Queen Elizabeth, Winston Churchill, Eleanor and Franklin Roosevelt, he designed and built a beautiful botanical garden which is now owned and operated by the City of Weatherford. Former U.S. Speaker of the House Jim Wright grew up in Weatherford and is a regular visitor to community events and gatherings.

Named by the State Legislature as the Peach Capital of Texas, Weatherford and Parker County growers produce the biggest, sweetest, juiciest peaches in all of Texas. The Peach is celebrated each year at the Parker County Peach Festival, Weatherford's largest one-day event. In addition an outgrowth of the County's historic "First Monday Stray Day Sale", in which the County, local farmers and ranchers sold off animals at the town square, today Weatherford holds a its own "First Monday Trade Days". First Monday Trade Days take place the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday prior to the first Monday of each month. Hundreds come for the antiques, arts, crafts, food and fun. Finally one can still enjoy the Farmer’s Market located just a block off the town square.

Known as the Cutting Horse Capital of the World, Weatherford is home to dozens of professional trainers, hall-of-fame horses and is in close proximity to Silverado, where several National Cutting Horse Association affiliates hold local competitions.

Perhaps Weatherford's greatest treasure is the abundance of historic homes and buildings. More than 60 Queen Ann, Victorian, and other architecturally significant homes built at the turn of the century sit along the tree-lined avenues where horse drawn carriages once carried the pillars of the community.

The crown jewel is the breathtaking Parker County Courthouse. Completed in 1886 of Parker County limestone it is located in the geographical center of the County. This second empire style courthouse is the heart of downtown and the entire community.

The Weatherford Independent School District celebrates a quality education provided every day from pre-kindergarten through high school. The Weatherford ISD serves 7,500 students throughout 254 square miles and 11 campuses.

Weatherford is home to Weatherford College. Weatherford College was established in 1869 and is the oldest continuing community college in the Southwest. Weatherford College serves more than 5,700 students and offers more than 25 courses entirely online. Weatherford College will begin its new baseball program in the new Roger Williams Stadium.

The City of Weatherford's health needs are served by Weatherford Regional Medical Center. The Medical Center offers state-of-the-art medical technology in an atmosphere of warmth and compassion. The medical staff and other health care professionals provide sophisticated diagnostic techniques, surgical procedures, and a wide range of outpatient services.

In addition, in Weatherford one can enjoy water sports on Lake Weatherford, play many fine area golf courses, or participate in many activities organized by the Weatherford Parks and Recreation Department or other youth and adult organizations. Weatherford is home to many churches and social organizations that provide for one's spiritual and civic needs.

Weatherford City Government
Weatherford was incorporated in 1858. Currently, the City of Weatherford operates under a Home Rule Charter first adopted in 1918 and last amended by voters in 2010. The Charter provides for the Council-Manager form of government. The City Council consists of a Mayor and four Council Members. The Mayor and Council Members are elected at large and serve staggered terms of three years.

The City Council appoints the City Manager, City Attorney, City Judge, and all boards and commissions, including the Weatherford Municipal Utility Board. All Department Heads and employees serve at the direction of the City Manager.

The City of Weatherford owns and operates its own electric power distribution system. The City competitively serves almost 13,000 electric customers located in and around the City environs.

The City Manager oversees the budget for the entire City and manages the following departments and activities: Police, Fire, Transportation & Public Works, Capital Transportation Projects, Utilities, Special Projects, Municipal & Community Services, GIS/Mapping, Planning & Development, Parks & Recreation, Human Resources, City Secretary, Finance, Office of Management & Budget, Economic Development, and the Public Library.